400 tonnes ‘moved’ with method and precision

The site of the former level crossing at Dommeldange is currently being redeveloped to provide pedestrians and cyclists with a new underpass combining comfort and safety.

The CFL teams and their contractors made the most of the 2026 Whitsun holidays to ‘slide’ a structural element measuring 15 metres in length, 5.5 metres in width and 4.5 metres in height. Over a four-week period, the 400-tonnes structure had been pre-assembled on the site adjacent to its final location.

“This method minimises the disruption to rail traffic to just the time required for the sliding operation, thereby limiting the impact of the works on the service we provide to our customers,” explains Tim Hoscheit, Project Manager in CFL’s Infrastructure Projects Department.

“We removed 1,800 cubic metres of earth whilst carrying out the groundworks on the site where the underpass was excavated. A protective wall was also built using sheet piling to prevent any potential flooding from the nearby River Alzette,” explains Tim. On the day itself, the specialist contractor was on site at the crack of dawn and the operation was completed by late morning. This collective success enabled CFL to reopen the line to trains – and therefore to passengers – on schedule, on Monday 1 June 2026.

The underground structure will link the two parts of the town. Accessible to pedestrians and cyclists via access ramps, it is also designed for people with reduced mobility, thanks to the lifts that will be installed in time for its scheduled opening in spring 2027.